Multiple adsorbent loading method and apparatus for a radial flow vessel

A particle loader assembly for loading particles into a vessel to form a particle bed comprising inner and outer radially disposed concentric layers of particles said inner layer containing at least one type of particle of different granulometry or composition or both granulometry and composition from a type of particle contained in said outer layer, the assembly comprising:

• first feed hopper means for supplying particles for the inner layer;
• second feed hopper means for supplying particles for the outer layer;
• at least one rotary arm having a first end proximal to said feed hopper and a second end distal to said hopper and comprising:
• (i) a first chute conduit in particle flow communication with said first feed hopper and adapted for dispensing at an uniform flow rate particles supplied by said first feed hopper and forming said inner layer upon rotation of said at least one arm;
• and
• (ii) a second chute conduit in particle flow communication with said second feed hopper and adapted at the distal end thereof for dispensing at said uniform flow rate particles supplied by said second feed hopper and forming said inner layer upon rotation of said rotary at least one rotary arm whereby said inner and outer layers contact one another at an interface;
• drive means for rotating said hopper means and said at least one rotary arm, the rotation of the hopper means facilitating the uniform distribution of particles within said flow of particles through said assembly;
• control means for controlling the feed and rotation rate of said assembly.